The gig economy has become a significant part of the workforce in various countries, including India, China, and the United States. In India, nearly 7.7 lakh people have joined the gig sector, often as a last resort due to a lack of traditional employment opportunities. These workers face numerous challenges, including long hours, pressure to meet delivery targets, and a precarious income. A critical issue for gig workers in India is the absence of social security benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, and retirement savings, leaving them vulnerable to financial shocks [2cdfbdd5].
Similarly, China's gig economy has grown to encompass around 200 million workers, or about 23% of the working population. The Chinese government has implemented measures to support gig workers, yet many still lack adequate labor rights protections and social security. The flexible nature of gig work has resulted in unclear definitions and incomplete statistics, complicating the situation further [6ae7a08b].
In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has not established a clear definition for the gig economy, which has contributed to the challenges faced by independent workers. A recent survey by Stride and Mastercard revealed that 75% of independent workers do not receive employer benefits, and 92% do not receive health contributions. The most desired benefits among gig workers include health insurance (28%), paid time off (27%), and retirement savings (20%). Alarmingly, 60% of gig workers report that they cannot cover their monthly expenses with their earnings, and 59% find saving for retirement extremely challenging [4b13bef3].
The political landscape in India reflects the growing concerns of gig workers. The Congress party has pledged to introduce a new law aimed at protecting the rights of gig workers, while the ruling BJP plans to utilize the e-Shram portal to extend benefits to these workers. Such political promises may influence the voting decisions of gig workers who are seeking tangible solutions to their ongoing issues [2cdfbdd5].
As the gig economy continues to expand globally, it is imperative for policymakers in all regions to address the pressing issues of job insecurity and the lack of social security for gig workers. This includes implementing comprehensive laws and regulations that ensure fair treatment and access to essential benefits, thereby safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of workers worldwide [2cdfbdd5] [6ae7a08b] [4b13bef3].